Tips For Applying To Shell’s Graduate Program

As a Recruiter in Graduate Recruitment, Samantha Crocker is part of a team responsible for identifying and hiring exceptional candidates for career opportunities at Shell.

“I have the opportunity to hire top talent to join our industry-leading Shell Graduate Program that focuses on developing strengths and growing through experiences,” she explains. “We strive to find roles that are tailored to each candidate’s skills and career aspirations.”

With a wealth of insider insight, Samantha has some great input to offer when you’re planning your application to Shell.

Applying to Shell?

Putting your best foot forward in the application process means applying in a timely fashion – and avoiding a last-minute rush.

“Shell uses a multiple-stage recruitment process,” explains Samantha. “It’s important to apply early in the recruitment cycle to ensure consideration for available roles.”

For a Shell internship, applications are accepted in the following periods.

January start: applications accepted between July and November May start: applications accepted between September and MarchSeptember start: applications accepted between March and July

If you’re considering Shell’s Graduate Program, you can apply once during a 12-month period, Samantha explains, adding, “the best time to apply is in September, when we’re actively recruiting on campus.”

Shell’s ideal candidate

Shell looks for a particular set of qualities in a potential employee.

“Our ideal candidate exists in all three of these categories by having strong analytical skills, a desire to see projects through to completion and the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team.”

“Shell is a global company that embraces Diversity and Inclusion,” says Samantha.

Shell’s emphasis on relationships and working as a member of a diverse team is reflected throughout the application process.

Keeping these qualities in mind can help you identify the skills and experience you want to emphasize in your application to Shell – and set your application apart from the crowd.

Creating a great application

After you complete your application and successfully complete Shell’s online assessment, Samantha says she first looks at a candidate’s previous experience, before considering their academic standing and extracurricular involvement.

“The ideal candidate for Shell has a well-rounded application that shows their commitment to advancing their personal well-being through work experience and academics,” she says, “as well as giving back to their community and fellow students.”

What stands out?

Attention to detail: according to Samantha, applicants can be too vague in describing their previous work experience.

“When I look at a resume, I want to see how the candidate personally contributed in their previous roles,” she says.

She recommends highlighting your specific contribution, not just overall team accomplishments.

“Emphasize your individual input on a task and include the final outcome and the impact it made,” she says. “Remember to support your examples with evidence.”

Quick tips from an expert

Samantha has three top tips to offer when you’re planning your Shell application:

Set the stage

While submitting a strong and well-rounded application is part of your overall package, it’s important to set yourself up for success in the online assessment as well.

“You are required to complete a two-part online assessment once you complete your application,” explains Samantha. “Make sure you complete them in a quiet, distraction-free environment.”

Stay concise

When it comes to a job application, more isn’t always better. Stay concise and provide only the key pieces of relevant information.

“Keep your resume to two pages, and make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience in relation to the position for which you are applying,” says Samantha.

Don’t assume the connections between your past work experience and your chosen role will be immediately apparent – make sure to provide illustrative examples that clearly emphasize the connection.

Share the whole picture

A well-rounded application for a position at Shell means including more than just work experience!

“Feature your extracurricular and volunteer activities,” Samantha says. “These activities are a great way to showcase your leadership and teambuilding skills.”

Demonstrated volunteer experience indicates that you can work well with others – something Samantha says is a key skill for any Shell employee.

With this expert insight, you’re one step closer to launching your career at Shell!

Ready to apply? Click here to explore career opportunities for students and grads at Shell!

About the author

Elias Da Silva-Powell
is a Content, Marketing and Community Specialist at TalentEgg, as well as a two-time graduate of Queen's University. An avid bow-titan, he has been trying to bring whimsical neck wear back into the mainstream since 2008. He's around on Twitter: @EDSPowell and you can check out his profile on LinkedIn, and even G+.